US Open 2026 in New York: Complete Guide to Dates, Tickets, Schedule, and How to Get There
The final Grand Slam of the year returns to Flushing Meadows, Queens, with the largest edition in the tournament's nearly 150-year history. If you're planning a New York trip around late August or early September, this guide covers everything you need: dates, prices, who the favorites are, how to get there, and what to expect the day you walk into the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
When Is the US Open 2026?
The full tournament runs from Sunday, August 23 through Sunday, September 13, 2026. Fan Week kicks off on August 23 and includes the traditional Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, the largest free grassroots tennis event in the world. Singles qualifying runs August 24-27, alongside the Mixed Doubles Championship from August 24-26. The main draw ceremony, revealing the 32 seeds in each field, takes place Thursday, August 27, based on rankings published August 24.
The main draw begins Sunday, August 30. The women's final is played Saturday, September 12 at 4:00 PM ET, and the men's final closes the tournament on Sunday, September 13 at 2:00 PM ET. Labor Day weekend, September 7, coincides with the round of 16, one of the busiest days of the entire tournament.
2026 marks the 56th consecutive year the tournament has been played at Flushing Meadows, and arrives following a $600 million investment in infrastructure upgrades since 2016, including retractable roofs over Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Who Are the Favorites in 2026?
On the men's side, there's genuine uncertainty in the field. Carlos Alcaraz arrives as defending champion, having beaten Jannik Sinner in the 2025 final 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, but he's carrying a wrist injury sustained in April in Barcelona that kept him out of action for months, including Roland Garros and Wimbledon. His actual match fitness is one of the tournament's biggest open questions. Jannik Sinner, meanwhile, arrives as the reigning Wimbledon champion and is considered by most experts to be the top favorite, even if Alcaraz recovers in time. Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev round out the heavyweight contenders on the men's side.
On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka is chasing something no one has achieved since Serena Williams from 2012 to 2014: a third consecutive US Open title. Her record at Flushing Meadows is extraordinary, with a 29-3 mark since 2021 and appearances in the last three consecutive finals. Coco Gauff, the 2023 champion and home-crowd favorite, along with Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek, round out the main contenders.
Keep in mind that entry lists can see withdrawals in the weeks leading up to the tournament due to injuries or other factors, so these names reflect the confirmed picture as of early August, not necessarily the final field.
Where It's Played: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
The complex spans 46.5 acres within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, and hosts three main show courts. Arthur Ashe Stadium is the centre court, seating 23,771, the largest tennis stadium in the world, and it hosts all the marquee day and night session matches, including both singles finals. Louis Armstrong Stadium carries the next tier of high-profile matches. Grandstand and the outer courts round out the rest of the schedule.
One key distinction worth understanding before you buy: a Grounds Pass does not include access to Arthur Ashe Stadium; it covers Louis Armstrong, Grandstand, the field courts, and the rest of the grounds.
Fan Week and the New Registration Requirement
One of the most important changes for this edition is that, while grounds access during Fan Week remains free, every guest age 18 and older must now register for a free Fan Access Pass through the official US Open app before entering. Simply showing up at the gate is no longer enough; make sure to download the app and complete registration in advance to avoid delays on the day of your visit.
2026 Ticket Prices
Tickets for the 2026 US Open went on general sale Thursday, May 28 at noon ET, following an American Express Card Member presale on May 26-27.
As a general reference: standard Grounds Passes, with access to outer courts and practice areas, run $60 to $150. Reserved seating in Louis Armstrong and Grandstand runs $120 to $300. Arthur Ashe tickets start around $70 for early rounds, but as the tournament progresses, marquee matches and finals can easily exceed $300, with average VIP pricing starting around $451.
These prices fluctuate based on round, matchup, and demand, so treat any figure as a rough guide and confirm the exact price through Ticketmaster, the official sales channel, before purchasing.
Session Schedules
Gates for day sessions typically open around 10 or 11 AM, with matches starting at noon. Evening session passes don't allow entry until 6:00 PM. If you have a day session grounds pass, you'll need to leave the venue before 6:00 PM; if you have a night ticket for Ashe or Armstrong, the after-dark atmosphere is genuinely worth staying for. Note that re-entry is not permitted once you leave the grounds.
How to Get There from Manhattan
The tournament's official recommendation, without exception, is to use mass transit. There's no designated parking near Arthur Ashe Stadium, and traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway and Grand Central Parkway during peak sessions, especially evening ones, can be significant.
Subway: take the 7 train (local or express) from Times Square or Grand Central directly to Mets-Willets Point station. The ride takes 35 to 45 minutes from Midtown, at a standard $3 fare. The station is a short walk across the boardwalk from the venue gates, and the MTA adds extra 7 train service throughout the tournament.
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): from Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, or Moynihan Train Hall, look for the train headed toward "Port Washington" (sometimes displayed as "Great Neck" on the monitors, so double-check the train number) to Mets-Willets Point. It's the fastest option, taking just 19 to 25 minutes, with fares of $5 to $19, dropping you nearly at the East Gate. If you're traveling with a disability, note that the Mets-Willets Point LIRR stop is not accessible; exit instead at 61st Street-Woodside and transfer to the 7 train.
Rideshare and taxi: all Uber and Lyft pickups and drop-offs are directed to the New York Hall of Science parking lot, with a complimentary shuttle to the venue entrance. Keep in mind that after night sessions, with more than 20,000 people leaving simultaneously, Uber surge pricing regularly runs two to four times the standard rate.
One practical tip many people overlook: plan your return trip before you leave home. The single most common US Open transportation mistake is planning the trip out to Flushing Meadows carefully and then improvising the midnight trip back alongside thousands of other people doing exactly the same thing.
How to Watch the US Open from Home
Every session airs in the United States on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, or ABC, with Spanish-language commentary available on ESPN Deportes. If you won't be able to attend in person but want to follow the tournament, this is the confirmed official coverage for 2026.
Bag Policy and Permitted Items
Each guest may bring one bag, no larger than 12 x 12 x 16 inches, with exceptions for medically necessary bags. Glass bottles and cans are not permitted (reusable metal or plastic water bottles up to 24 ounces are fine), and tennis racquets are not allowed except on Arthur Ashe Kids' Day or if purchased on-site.
Practical Tips
Download the official US Open app in advance and register your Fan Access Pass if you plan to attend Fan Week. Arrive early for day sessions, particularly during the first week, when outer courts fill up fast. Bring sunscreen, since late August in New York can be brutally hot in the open air. Always confirm your train number on the LIRR before boarding. And buy tickets exclusively through official channels like Ticketmaster to avoid fraudulent resale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When exactly is the US Open 2026? The full tournament runs from August 23 to September 13, 2026. The main draw begins August 30, the women's final is September 12, and the men's final is September 13.
Do I need to register to enter during the free Fan Week? Yes. Every guest age 18 and older must register for a free Fan Access Pass through the official US Open app before entering the grounds during Fan Week.
Does the Grounds Pass include Arthur Ashe Stadium? No. The Grounds Pass covers Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand, the outer courts, and the rest of the venue, but does not include access to Arthur Ashe Stadium, which requires a specific ticket.
Who's the tournament favorite in 2026? On the men's side, Jannik Sinner arrives as reigning Wimbledon champion and top favorite, with Carlos Alcaraz as defending champion but facing questions after a wrist injury. On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka is chasing a historic third consecutive title, with Coco Gauff as the top home-crowd threat.
What's the best way to get there from Manhattan? The LIRR from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison is the fastest option, at 19 to 25 minutes. The 7 subway line is the more budget-friendly alternative, running 35 to 45 minutes from Midtown.
Where can I watch the US Open if I'm not attending in person? In the United States, every session airs on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, or ABC, with Spanish-language commentary on ESPN Deportes.
Can I bring my own racquet into the venue? No, except on Arthur Ashe Kids' Day or if purchased inside the complex itself.
Experience the US Open and the Rest of New York
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Sources
This article was researched and updated in August 2026 using USOpenTennisInfo.com, "US Open Tennis 2026 Schedule: Dates, TV and Start Times Today"; Ticketmaster, "2026 US Open Tickets Guide"; Yardbarker, "US Open 2026: From Alcaraz and Sinner to the biggest dark horses, 10 questions remain"; AOL/USTA, "Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to resume rivalry as US Open entry list revealed"; FlashscoreUSA, "2026 US Open: Draw, schedule and all you need to know"; and BlackCarNYC, "Getting to the US Open 2026."
Real's Tours NYC is not affiliated with the USTA, the US Open, ESPN, or Ticketmaster. Dates, prices, schedules, and player fields are subject to change; confirm current details at usopen.org before purchasing tickets.
